Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb

^# 68

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$137.59 Price Tier: Standard

4.0 (19)

1 Critic Review

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Boss RV-6 Reverb

$139.79 - $166.00

4.5 (176)

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1 community setup

11 wishlisted

43 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (9)

$137.59 18 available Used

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Average Price: $138

Standard/Professional

$100

$276+

Price Tier

In the Reverb Effects Pedals category, Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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Meet the Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb, a pioneer in the realm of digital reverb pedals. Boasting authentic vintage circuitry, the RV-2 is renowned for its versatile performance and signature Japanese circuitry, reminiscent of older models. Its stand-out features include a pre-EQ circuit for precision tone-shaping, and a choice of six distinct reverb modes, encompassing room, plate, and hall. This trailblazer was one of the first digital reverbs to hit the market, setting high standards for future pedals. The RV-2 is the go-to choice for achieving a diverse range of reverb effects without compromising on board space or budget.

Key Features:

Authentic vintage circuitry
Pre-EQ circuit for precision tone-shaping
Six distinct reverb modes including room, plate, and hall
Pioneer among digital reverb pedals
Compact design for optimal board space usage
Budget-friendly without compromising on quality

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	RV-2 Digital Reverb (Dark Gray Label)
Finish	Gray
Year	1987 - 1989
Made In	Japan
Categories	Delay Pedals, Reverb Pedals

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb pedal?: The Boss RV-2 was one of the first digital reverb pedals, offering multiple reverb modes, including Hall, Plate, and Room. It features a compact design with intuitive controls for level, tone, and time, making it versatile for various reverb effects.
Is the Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb pedal suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss RV-2 is designed for live use, providing high-quality digital reverb effects in a compact pedal format. Its robust construction and easy-to-adjust controls make it ideal for on-stage use.
How does the Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb pedal connect to a guitar setup?: The Boss RV-2 connects via standard 1/4-inch input and output jacks, making it compatible with most guitar rigs. It can be easily integrated into a pedalboard or used as a standalone effect.
Can the Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb be powered by a battery?: The Boss RV-2 requires a 9V battery or an AC adapter for power. For extended use, especially during live performances, using an AC adapter is recommended for consistent performance.
What is the difference between the Boss RV-2 and later models like the RV-5?: The Boss RV-2 is the original digital reverb pedal, known for its simplicity and classic reverb sounds. Later models like the RV-5 offer more reverb modes and improved sound quality, catering to a broader range of tonal preferences.

Videos

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pedal partners

Johnny Marr & The Boss RV-2 | World's First Reverb Pedal

pedal partners

Boss RV-2 1987 demo

Stian Lerstad Johansen

Boss Pedal Review 45: RV-2 Digital Reverb

Cameron Johnson

BOSS RV 2 Digital Reverb pedal demo

MSMWorkshop

Trying out Boss's first Digital Reverb Pedal, the Boss RV-2

Stompbox Breakdown

BOSS RV-2 vs RV-3 Reverb | STEREO

Pedal Science

BOSS RV-2 Reverb (STEREO | HQ AUDIO)

Pedal Science

30 SECOND PEDALS - Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb

HezJP

Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb (The Japanese Pedal Show)

Clifton Wright

Reviews

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PROS

First digital reverb pedal, historically significant
Simple, user-friendly interface
Provides distinctive, character-rich reverb
Versatile across different music genres
Uniquely complements guitar signal without muddying
Useful for both live performances and recording
Works well with other effects for creative soundscapes
Offers a lo-fi, vintage sound alternative to modern high-fidelity units

CONS

Some settings yield digital harshness in repeats
Sound considered bland and 2-dimensional by some users
May not be powerful enough for certain amplifiers
Lacks the natural reverb sound some users seek

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb.

Features and functionality

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The RV-2 is noted for its warmer sound due to older, more primitive chips, often favored by those fond of nostalgic tones.
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The Boss RV-2 is the only Boss pedal that does not run on batteries, requiring an adapter for power.
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The RV-2 essentially downsized Boss' rackmounted reverb unit into a pedal, maintaining high-quality plate and hall settings suitable for live and recording purposes.
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Comparisons

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The RV-2 is often compared to the RV-5 and RV-6; while it’s less versatile, it’s praised for its warmth, unlike the RV-5's popular modulated reverb mode.
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Some users choose the RV-2 over larger pedals like the Deadbeat Reverberation Station for its compact size and solid build.
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Use cases and applications

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The RV-5 modulated mode is popular for ambient sounds, with Beach House often cited as an example of its use.
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Known for its slightly lo-fi and gritty reverb, the RV-2 excels in lofi, ambient, shoegaze, and '80s indie music styles.
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The pedal's gate reverb is a sought-after feature for ambient and shoegaze music, offering a unique style reminiscent of reverse reverb.
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Notable musicians like Johnny Marr and Pete Hook continue to use the RV-2, highlighting its enduring appeal in professional settings.
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The pedal is noted for integrating well with synthesizers, expanding its versatility beyond guitar use.
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Value and pricing

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Priced around €110, the RV-2 is a budget-friendly option, especially appealing to those seeking warmer tones without the versatility of newer models.
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Prices for the RV-2 are increasing, with recent transactions noted at $180, reflecting its growing demand and rarity.
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Mods and upgrades

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While not explicitly mentioned as needing mods, the RV-2's sound profile aligns with those seeking warm, nostalgic tones, potentially reducing the need for modifications.
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User experience

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Owners transitioning from analog to digital mention concerns over the RV-2's 12-bit, 31.25 kHz processing but find its audio quality historically validated by past musicians' use.
Source

Critic Reviews

The Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb Pedal of 1987 | Planet Botch

planetbotch.blogspot.com

The Boss RV-2 Digital Reverb was a trailblazer for its time, cramming impressive digital reverb effects into a compact pedal format. Its versatility and sound quality were undeniable, with modes that catered to various instruments, including drums and vocals. However, its hefty price tag and the fact that guitarists already had reverb in their amps made it a tough sell. Additionally, the RV-2's advanced features were intimidating for the tech-averse musicians of the '80s. While innovative, it ultimately didn't captivate its target market, leading to its early discontinuation despite its potential as a studio tool.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 19 Ratings

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k_g_b_

363

almost 10 years ago

Splooshy, splashy 80s plate reverb

I bought this so I could sound like SAW. Now I have it, and my dreams are realized. Well, they will be once I get all that other junk!

It's a fantastic reverb. For a long time I turned away from Boss stuff, just because I thought it was sort of like driving a Honda Fit to a party where everyone has some cool European convertible from the 60s. Then I realized that Boss effects do sound very good, and perhaps I should reconsider my judgment upon them. They are a bit vanilla, yes, but remember that effect pedals are modular. You can arrange them in any way you wish. The standard is of course, something like: drive>chorus/phaser>delay>reverb, but what would it sound like to reverse the order? I started thinking about effects in a less standardised way, and now feel freer because of it. Anyway, I think the Boss sound, and especially the 80s Boss sound is a failry clinical one (as far as their digital line is concerned, anyway), but I see that as a strength rather than a flaw. I record onto tape, so for me, sounding like organic, throbbing grit is, in the end, inescapable. A good way for me to not take this completely overboard is to use digital effects, and so, when it fancies me, I do. The Boss RV-2 gives me a bit of sterility in a dank, smelly, organic, analog cave. I love it for that.

jimmarchi1

41029

over 8 years ago

meh

I wanted some hall reverb in a pedal to shake things up because I'd been using my pricneton's spring reverb all the time back then.... I got this and loved it for a week and then abandoned it. I have it to this day. I used it recently on a recording where I wanted the sound of reverb into an amp and not post-production verb. overall very bland though

Roles:

Guitarist Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Orchestra Alternative rock

jimmarchi1

41029

8 years ago almost 8 years ago

sold

keithg

almost 9 years ago

Good

I also received this one off my dad as he didn't really have a use for them. Good pedal but preferably like to play without the RV-2. It's great for noodling about and having some fun on but my amp isn't powerful enough to run it effectively. I do like the sound of reverb though, maybe this will get more use in the future but this is still a great little pedal as always by Boss. For you people that don't know this is the worlds first digital Reverb pedal so fits in a nice little spot of pedal history. Mine is a 1992 model I believe